Barbour mulls W.H. time commitment

Haley Barbour on Monday said a White House bid requires a 10-year commitment from a candidate, a reality that will influence his decision on whether to run in 2012.

"You've got to be prepared for a 10-year commitment and that's the majority of the rest of my productive life," Barbour told reporters during a stop at the Iowa capital, echoing comments he made on Fox News on Sunday. "I have to see if I have the fire in the belly and the willingness, to the exclusion of all other things, to take that on."

Barbour restated his plan to to wait until Mississippi's legislature adjourns in April before making a final decision on a White House bid.

The Mississippian was scheduled to meet with state party leaders and lawmakers, including Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, as he considers entering the 2012 race. He previously told reporters that he'd be aggressive in the Hawkeye State if he decides to run.

During the 15-minute meeting with Barbour, Branstad said he plans to stay neutral in the GOP primary, but noted his long ties to Barbour, according to the Des Moines Register.

Barbour previously chaired the Republican Governors Association, and the group gave more than $1 million to Branstad's effort to oust Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.